Beyond Existance

While I was having some quiet time this morning; checking email, praying, seeking, a phrase just popped in my head. "Beyond Existence". I want to move past the mundane, everyday routine and truly make the most of every moment. Every day I seem to hear and see so many hopeless people merely existing. As I ponder this phrase, I am reminded that simply existing is a choice. Yes, we can get caught up in the everyday routine. but it is my choice with what I do with the everyday routine.

Beyond Existence is Hope Restored...Passion Renewed!

So, as i set here writing instead of cleaning house - it's ok.
Yes I want to manage my time and order my days where I can be more productive. But it's times like this where I feel alive, full of passion.

Choosing to live beyond existence, reveals those hidden treasures within us that God has planted. Water them with His Word and they will bloom to beautiful potential.

I picture a small clay pot with a large budding plant. It has to be transplanted in a larger pot to continue to grow into it's full potential. That's how we are. Sometimes we get comfortable in our routine and after time, feel crowded, cluttered and withered. Today, jump into the newness and freshness of His Word and His direction. Live BEYOND EXISTENCE!

Write down those hidden dreams - speaking them out is like transplanting to a bigger pot.
They now have room to grow and bloom.

Here are a couple of my dreams; Writing....teaching....who knows just making our dreams known can open wide doors of possibility and living life to the fullest.

Join me in the quest - Live Beyond Existence~

The correct location to see a beautiful baby is
http://reynoldsthree.blogspot.com

Marli

It's been almost one month since I became a grandmother.
It was the most wonderful blessing being there for Marli's birth.
Overwhelming joy is the closest I can begin to describe it.

Watching my beautiful daughter, Betsy over the last few months has been amazing.
I knew she would be a great Mom.

We were all there-buzzing with expectation. It was the most beautiful, natural progression.
Aaron and Betsy chose beautiful calming worship music to help her focus. It worked. Thank you, Rita Springer and others.

As soon as sweet Marli made her grand entrance - I called Poppa Donald and they all heard her first cry. I began snapping pictures to capture her first moments. It wasn't long until the room was full and family and friends were excessively celebrating Miss Marli's arrival. Marli has a host of family and friends and 2 especially loving Uncles, Uncle Ben and Uncle Drew.

I am still trying to find the words to describe the whole experience and just can't seem to come up with them. Though the words aren't there, the memories will last forever. And I look forward to seeing her grow. To know Christ and make Him known is my prayer for sweet Marli.

Enjoy the pictures! You can see loads of pics on at http://reynoldsthree@blogspot.com


I am overflowing with joy and awe.

God is GOOD and my cup runneth over!!!!

Cleansing in the Sanctuary

This morning about 8 am it was as if I was being drawn to the "secret place". That place where I seem to hear Him more clearly. A little tired, yet drawn, I put on my walking shoes and stepped out to a crisp, moist air. My first thought was. "man, I really want to walk this morning, it's been a couple of days." As I turned back toward the door, a determination stirred. I went back in , grabbed my i pod and headed to the Tahoe.

You all know me, I am a fair weather, golfer, walker, well...most anything I do, I like it may way.
Ouch, that self confession hurt, when I ponder the truth of that. Well, I will ponder that thought more and you may see more on that in another blog.

Now, back to the walk......
The whole 40 seconds it took me to get to the highway, I was thinking....I have lost my mind.
Then.... I see a sweet little fellow that lives in our community walking in the rain toward work.
I wish I could say my first instinct was to stop. Yes, I did, but only after I had to slap myself for even thinking it would be quicker to just go on. (another confession). I am so glad I did stop. I wonder how many times we miss opportunity when we get self absorbed.

After the quick detour, I make my way to the bridge. I get out, trek forward, starting to second guess my decision to come out here. As always, this trip to the "Sanctuary" proved to be beneficial and sacred.

It was quiet and peaceful as I took off in a brisk walk. The damp old bridge looked especially weathered as I walked. Strangely enough I seemed to be wrapped in a blanket of love. I don't know why but my thoughts began to go to my sweet Grandaddy, who has been with Jesus since 92. He was my hero and even though I didn't see him as much as I would have liked; the sweet assurance in his smile, and in peace of his countenance was similar to the feeling I was experiencing now. It's just like God to bring a precious rememberance to my mind like that. It was what I like to call, "A Kiss from God"

By now my glasses need windshield wipers and my hair is drenched but, I could not have felt more alive, at peace and in His presence. As the mist became a bit heavier it was as if every step I took there was cleansing. All the guilt of wrong thinking, wrong words, offenses taken were washing away. Issues would still be around that needed to be dealt with, but this cleansing gave hope and security. Now readers, don't get me wrong, I am blessed. I don't want anyone to think there are serious issues looming over me now. You know, just those things that build up on us and go unattended. Here, the worries seemed to be washed away.


Cleansing rain washing over me
Each step reinforcing me to believe
Everyday, If I look I will see
More of who you are creating me be be

Each step I take draws me in so nigh
and more hope begings to arise
Doubts may come around
but in your presence true peace is found

Mist is covering my eyes
yet, I see more clearly , YES
Hope restored,
Peace secured,
Cleansed, and redeemed

Great Song - Worth It All - Rita Springer

Worth It All
Rita Springer

I don't understand Your ways
Oh but I will give You my song
Give You all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it You are pulling me closer
And pulling me into Your ways
Now around every corner
And up every mountain
I'm not looking for crowns
Or the water from fountains
I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing
That the sight of Your face
Is all that I need
I will say to You
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth itI
t's gonna be worth it all
I believe this
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this

Sanctuary

Notice the new picture I posted.

Some call it the Canadian River Walking Bridge - I call it my Sanctuary.
I love those simple places I can go to escape and hear God. This is one of my favorite.
I walk this bridge almost daily. Usually alone - which I love to do. I have had God download life-giving revelation here. However. some of the best conversations I have ever had have been on this old bridge. I have been encouraged many times while walking with friends here and hopefully have been an encouragement. Whether alone or accompanied by a friend, I have truly experienced worship there. I have laughed, cried and even screamed a few times here. I could write a book on the experiences I have had on that old bridge. The one's where it's just me and God have been so dear.

Notice the day this picture was taken the bridge was soaked with water after a cool refreshing rain. Some days I think I leave that many tears there. It's a place I can leave the tears and feel refreshed.

This old bridge is one of those places I sense others go to escape too. Small town living can be as difficult as it is wonderful at times, but those times I walk and pass by someone I feel - regardless, we are connected. Just think about what a bridge is and what it does -
1. a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle
2. a time, place, or means of connection or transition

We all face many obstacles daily. Physical - emotional - spiritual. However, I am encouraged as I embrace the truth that Jesus has bridged the gap between God and man - even our relationships with one another can be healed if we operate in his the same grace and forgiveness he offered to us; and regardless of my shortcomings, messes, screw ups - He has paid the price and bridges us together - carries us over the every depression and obstacle.

I feel more today than ever like I am in the middle of transition -
There is excitement as well as fear in transition. The transition I speak of is not a physical transition but spiritually, into being who he calls me to be.
So, all this to say - Thank you Lord that you are the steadfast bridge that carries us through every obstacle. I will purpose and choose to enjoy the journey.

Good To Go

Good To Go - This phrase was on the side of a styrofoam coffee cup I sipped hot, stale coffee from today. I was enjoying the short drive from Amarillo to Canadian as my sweet daughter drove me home. It was a nice relaxed, special time. I had just spent a great weekend with much of my family and was reminising over the weekend, enjoying conversation with my first born, kicked back and relaxed as she drove us. Many thoughts just twirling in my head; 1. My, how things change. It wasn't too many years ago that every time I got in the car with her, I would grab the "O Poop" handle above the door of her little Honda named Hank. Now, I sat with seat reclined and tootsies perched in the window 2. I looked back on the past few days and smiled. I had spent a couple of days in the company of some amazing friends, escaping to a quiet retreat to seek God's vison and spent time with family celebrating a wonderful weekend honoring a special couple. 3. Watching the excitement grow in my Betsy as she drove toward newness with each mile we progressed northward.

I said all that to say this........God is so good and we are "GOOD TO GO" on the jouney He sets before us. We are "Good to Go" with confidence that He empowers us with by His Holy Spirit. We are "Good to Go" be world changers by resting in His presence and following His lead.

My children are all stepping into newness and it excites me. Betsy and Aaron - moving and expecting a precious baby girl. Ben - seeking direction for the next phase of His life. Drew - also experiencing an upcoming change of schools and maturing rapidly.

Then....I reflect on the changes in my friends lives all around. In the midst of change and advancement, we passionately pursue vision for our future and rest in His presence. This is my prayer for all of you!!

Whether you are moving, changing, seeking, ministering, traveling.....whatever the change or advancement you are experiencing - remember, rest in His presence, walk in His ways, Focus on His greatness that dwells, abides, directs and leads you from Glory to Glory.

YOU ARE GOOD TO GO

Another Ahhhha Moment -

Sunday we honored the graduates and Bruce brought a great message - not only did he encourage the youth and speak life into them, he brought forth great nuggets of truth to the body. In his message he made a statement that caught my attenetion. It did so because, I had said the same thing to Donald recently. He said the church is in danger of becoming, "just another church on the corner". Seriously, I shared my fears with Donald using those same words. I said, "If we don't continue to seek God's directions, we will become just another church on the corner". I say all of this to say - everywhere I go I sense overwhelmed, exhausted people. Sometimes I want to just scream - STOP - REFOCUS! I find myself getting caught up in the busyness of this crazy world, forgetting my purpose and calling here. My heart hurts when I see relationships stuggleing and I miss real, heartfelt conversations with friends and family. Back to my point.........the thought of becoming just another church on the corner, stirred me. What must we do to prevent this from happening?

1. Keep the main thing the main thing - Jesus - The Kingdom of God!
2. Don't sweat the small stuff!
3. Make the most of every conversation, meeting, divine encounter!
4. Every moment spent in the presence of God is preparation and empowerment for what is to
come!
5. My responses deeply effect those I come in contact with!
6. Do not fear man!
7. Don't create anything we've seen before-Walk confidently in the vision God gives!
8. Relationship over Programs - Don't get so caught up in my agenda that I miss opportunity for
building, renewing, and restoring relationship!
9. Worship him - seek His direction - Know who I am in Him!
10. Lighten up on yourself! There is Joy in His Presence and Power to overcome!

Basicly.... we won't become "another church on the corner", if we Seek first the Kingdom of God, (Matthew 6:33)

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.


Psalm 27:3-5 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.


THOSE HE CALLS - HE EQUIPS- DO NOT LOOSE HEART!

Break Out

Did you ever play the video game - "Break Out"? In my time of seeking the Lords Word today - I visioned playing this game. My first thought was - "how silly". Usually when I get these visions I know that there must be a something God is telling me. Consider this thought HE gave me - In the game, "break out", you use your mouse to control a cursor that connects with a ball that busts through a brick wall. When all of the bricks are gone, you move to the next level. The speed increases and the game becomes more difficult. I'm sure you get the picture now. We begin by getting in the rhythm of the game. The first level isn't too tough. The next level gets more intense....and the next more so. In the game there is no great reward, nor help to finish the game. The success of the game depends on my ability and hand eye coordination. Thank you Lord, my walk in the Spirit is not dependent upon my ability. As I surrender and choose to walk in your grace, I walk on with your ability and your strength ~each new level intensifies, but I am not alone. To You, In You and through You we are equipped to boldly conquer each new level and confidently walk out destiny. Two scriptures come to mind -

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you; and when you walk through the fire,you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Kingdom living often requires risks - stepping into relationship with others following His call can seem like you have stepped into a torrential rapid that requires much effort; stepping into your calling may seem lonely, others don't always jump in the boat with you and you may feel the ores are too heavy and the rapids too strong for you alone. Know that we are never alone in the calling He gives us. He will provide all we need to succeed and move to the next level. He raises us up to new heights of maturity and His ability rests on us.

Don't be afraid of the unfamiliar - moving from one level to another is a courageous act of trust!
Break out - come forth into your destiny!

.......hmmmmm

On my trip to and from Amarillo this week, I finished listening to an audio book. Hinds Feet In High Places by Hannah Hurard intrigued me as I heard this reading, full of symbolism.

I read this book about 6 years ago. If you read it as I did the first time with wrong thinking, read it again. I'm sure I will write more later about the book and how it spoke to me.

After hearing this book read, I wanted to read more of Hannah Hurnards books. As I searched, I found the disturbing stories of her life. She was raised a Quaker, feeling stiffled by legalism and for a time, obviously drew closer to the Lord and his goodness. Much of Hinds Feet In High Places is a story of her journey.

Sadly, after this writing it appears she fell into the deciet of Universalism and New Age beliefs. How sad. As much as I love her book Hinds Feet In High Places, I don't recommend anyone read her later writings. In an article I found by Robert Fisher, he traced her life and writings.

Sadly, I wondered, how someone who had such an amazing experience with the Lord, could go so far the other way.

All of this to say......hmmm ....filter everything you read and hear through the Word of God and be encouraged; If we are In Christ, we have the Holy Spirit to comfort, and guide us to the Truth of His Word.

Weird post, I know. I felt it necessary to inform my blog readers.

Turn Questions to Declarations

As I was walking at the bridge today, I listened to an audio book. This book I read years ago. Hinds Feet In High Places uses symbolism to portray the story. Nearing the end of my walk the reader spoke a line that spoke volumes to me. Much Afraid, (the main character) said, ….let me trust you as much as I desire to love you”. She spoke it almost as a question. As I pondered the statement, God spoke to me in my spirit these words, “ Make that question a declaration”. We grow expediently as we turn such questions into declarations. I WILL TRUST YOU AS MUCH AS I DESIRE TO LOVE YOU, LORD!

Just a few lines later, Much Afraid was running, and leaping, in joy, bounding upward, beginning her ascent to the high places.

Question = uncertainty, doubt. Questioning produces hesitation, which delays our destiny.

Declaration = confirmation, agreement. Declaration frees us to move toward our destiny
which, leads us to the high places, with the Father.

His word (Ephesians 2:6) says we are seated in heavenly places
- We must not question it but rather, believe it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another though from this book –

Will I ascend the mountain without fear?
Am I willing to ascend without need of affirmation, being understood, or even known?

We are loved affirmed, understood and known by our Heavenly Father.
I will declare – That is enough. I will ascend without need of man’s approval.

DO IT ANYWAY

Thursday, April 18, 2008

There is a country song by Martina McBride, “Do It Anyway”

You CAN spend your whole life buildin'
Something from nothin
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You CAN chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

(Chorus)
God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This worlds gone crazy
And it's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all YOUR heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love em anyway

You can pour your soul out singin'
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anywayYeah sing it anyway, YEAH, YEAHI singI dreamI love anyway, yeah.


Do it anyway….
We can’t build our theology on the song, but something about it stirs me.
I like that kind of thinking. I even think that may be a Kingdom line.

We each have a responsibility to take steps toward out destiny. Others may not understand it, they may even think we are crazy. “DO IT ANYWAY”.

Sing the song He puts in your heart
Dream the dreams – if they were His dream they will come true
Love even when it’s not easy, nor returned
Do it anwway!

I can’t help but think of Jesus. As he stepped toward His destiny, He knew he would endure pain. He knew he would be stripped of all dignity, yet….HE DID IT ANYWAY.
Jesus endured more than any of us could ever endure. He carried the weight of every sin to the cross yet, overcame sin, death and the grave. Romams 8:17-18, Now, if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and ocnheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be reavealed. (Read Romans 8: 12-2, wow!)

Christ made a way for us to escape death and torment. Shouldn’t we follow his example and press on toward our destiny, even if it may be challenging? 2 Peter 1:3, By His divine power he has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him, who has called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

God is good, but sometimes life ‘aint good…..DO IT ANYWAY!

My thoughts - which I just penned - are floating somewhere in cyberspace.
As I am studying this morning - I got a case of happy fingers and “poof” - my three point revelation is gone.

Frustration!

Here goes my 2nd attempt.

Today we live in an amazing time where technology is advancing faster than we can keep up with it. As good as it can be, today, I am feeling frustrated over it. Texting, emailing and blogging are great advancements however, I feel they have taken the place of relationship in many instances.
I even find myself using these tools all too often. Honestly, I will continue to use them, however, I needed to rethink how I use them.

I must add – as myself and many others have been burned by traditional religion we have sought freedom and truth. It is now clear to me that freedom includes order and responsibility especially in relationships. Personally, I found myself unintentionally becoming complacent in the area of relationships in my quest to break from tradition and move into undefiled religion. This revelation has opened up new found freedom.

We all crave, desire and absolutely need relationship to keep us healthy - mentally and physically and to survive.

Everywhere I turn, (including myself) I see rushed, frustrated, aggravated, impatient people.
What if just a few of us determined, purposed, to re-prioritize and restructure our day. If we commit to this others will follow. Relationships will be saved.

This week I set around a table with fellow saints who spoke amazing truth into my life. We simply dialoged - through this processes God spoke truths and revealed areas in my life that needed to change. In a situation where I thought others were off track, I found they could be reacting because of my insecurity, fear and lack of boldness. Strong revelation, yet so freeing! I

I feel such a strong call to take back this area that the enemy has successfully stolen from me. So, I remind the enemy he has not hold on relationships and he must flee. Done! Now I need to remain faithful to the word from the Lord.

Here are a few things God is telling me about relationships.

1. Christ must be the first relationship to address. When we spend time with the Father and grow in intimacy with Him all other relationships flourish.

2. Family relationships must be re-prioritized. As mothers it is so important to affirm and encourage our children. As our day unwinds and we lay down at night, we don't want to think back on that day and realize, the only time I spoke to my child today was to say, hurry, stop, don't, I can't believe you did that..... Children need to hear I love you, morning and night and all in between. I want to be a mom that disciplines with authority and love. (The previous also applies to spousal relationships)

3. Oikas Relationships - In the busyness of our days we have watered down our relationships with friends from dialog to high tech communication. I find myself texting, emailing and leaving messages while they are away. If our days begin with our relationships in the proper perspective - our daily tasks and responsibilities will also fit within our day and most likely be accomplished with much more efficiency.

4. Be open to new relationships - don't close the ends on people.
It takes 2 minutes to form an opinion about someone and 20 different times of speaking with someone to change your mind about them. We are all unique and different. We each have differing personalities, lifestyles and cultures. Celebrate your common denominator – Jesus!
Go beyond - Without compromising - go where those who need Jesus are. Don’t be afraid to converse with strangers. Be confident and bold enough to share with them your love for Jesus. I have had conversations in Doctors offices and airports where later I would be frustrated with myself, because I new I had missed and opportunity to share my Jesus. The door to share is almost always, naturally opened. Fear of man, lack of confidence and boldness are usually what keep up from being real.

We all have been given the spirit of reconciliation. If relationship was not of the utmost importance God would not have created us to live relationally and would not have put it in his Word. Because it is important to him, we should live in harmony with one another, relationally.

Reconciling with the Father ourselves. Realize we are in need of Him. Repent. Grow in relationship with him by reading his Word and applying it to our lives. Allow the Holy Spirit of fill you and empower you to hear from God and be a carrier of his love, wisdom and authority.
Carry the gospel of salvation and of the Kingdom of God to the world through relationship.

Pray today for an awareness of relationships that need, healed, revived, renewed and began.